What is a rip current and how do I avoid it?

Rips are strong currents flowing out to sea that can carry the unwary swimmer far from the beach in a short space of time

With many of us flocking to the beach over the Easter break, it’s advisable to brush up on the hazards that can quickly turn a fun day trip into a scary situation.

According to the RNLI, the majority of lifeguard incidents involve rip currents and they are a major cause of accidental drowning on beaches all over the world.

Rip currents in the sea can catch out even the most experienced beachgoers, so here are our top tips for how to minimize the risks, and what to do if you’re ever caught in a rip current.

What is a rip current?

Rips are currents flowing out to sea that can carry the unwary swimmer far from the beach in a short space of time. Rip currents occur when the water from waves crashing on the beach sweeps back to sea through a narrow channel (e.g. a break in a sandbar below the surface). The current stream can be relatively narrow – perhaps just 10m or so across – but too fast moving to swim against.

They are especially powerful in larger surf, but they’re also found around river mouths, estuaries and man-made structures like piers and groynes.

How do I spot a rip current?

Rip currents can be difficult to spot, but often look like a channel of flat, darker water surrounded by choppy, churning water.

How to avoid rip currents

• Don’t swim near rocks, piers and groynes
• Stay within your depth where waves are breaking
• Choose a life guided beach and swim between the red and yellow flags

RNLI’s advice on what to do if you’re caught in a rip

• Stay calm – don’t panic.
• If you can stand, wade. Don’t try to swim.
• If you have an inflatable or board, keep hold of it to help
  you float.
• Raise your hand and shout for help loudly.
• Don’t swim directly against the rip or you’ll get exhausted.
• Swim parallel to the beach until free of the rip, then make
  for shore.
• If you can’t swim, float. Lean back in the water and extend
  your arms and legs.

Read our Safety and Risk Assessment guidance

Photo by Alan Rodriguez on unsplash.com